Cities That Get Bikers
Riding a motorcycle isn’t just about saving gas or looking cool. It’s about convenience, community, and the thrill of zipping through traffic without losing your sanity. And some cities make that experience effortless, as they’ve got smooth roads, easy parking, friendly riders, and an actual appreciation for two-wheelers. Others? Not so much. So, let’s take a look at 20 cities around the world that prove motorcycles and urban life can get along beautifully.
1. Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, motorcycles are part of the city's soul, with riders zipping from coastal curves to Pyrenees peaks. This two-wheeled love affair flourishes thanks to clever urban planning, featuring dedicated parking spaces and bus lane access, all wrapped in a Mediterranean climate that keeps the romance rolling year-round.
2. Los Angeles, United States
Across Los Angeles, motorcycles roar through a culture built on freedom and fellowship. The city’s buzzing community thrives on clubs, meetups, and scenic rides. California’s lane-splitting law keeps the momentum alive, letting riders weave through traffic and conquer iconic stretches like the Pacific Coast Highway.
Pacific Coast Highway on Motorcycles | 4K by Luke R.K. Malone
3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Unlike cities where subways rumble underground or taxis crawl through gridlock, Ho Chi Minh City flows like liquid metal, with its streets turned into gleaming rivers of motorcycles. Millions of bikes pulse through daily life, while xe ôm motorbike taxis navigate these chrome currents.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Riders in Cape Town enjoy an endless season of open roads thanks to the city’s mild climate and breathtaking terrain. Diverse regions and stunning routes, such as Chapman’s Peak Drive curving along the cliffs, fuel a thriving motorcycle culture where enthusiasts often unite for scenic group rides.
5. Melbourne, Australia
With motorcycle-friendly footpath parking that's unique among major cities, Melbourne's infrastructure sets the stage for rider freedom. This progressive approach, coupled with Victoria's network of coastal and mountain routes, has cultivated a thriving two-wheeled culture.
File:Melburnian Skyline.jpg: Melbpal
derivative work: Georgfotoart on Wikimedia
6. Rome, Italy
Strategic infrastructure choices, from extensive motorcycle parking zones to permitted lane filtering, have cemented Rome's two-wheeled transport culture. These policies enable efficient navigation of the historic center's busy thoroughfares, creating a thriving scooter culture that extends to scenic routes like the Appian Way.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok's notorious traffic congestion sparked an evolutionary response in urban mobility, with motorcycles emerging as the primary solution for navigating gridlocked streets. This two-wheeled revolution has matured into a sophisticated transport ecosystem, complete with dedicated motorcycle lanes.
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia
8. Medellín, Colombia
Two-wheeled culture rules in Medellín, where motorcyclists zip through bustling streets like caffeinated hummingbirds. This rider's utopia thrives thanks to a perfect trifecta: year-round spring-like weather and mountain roads begging to be explored.
Moto Ride Medellin on Wikimedia
9. Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, precision defines the motorcycle experience. Immaculate roads remove infrastructure worries, and plentiful parking near stations and shops eases space constraints. Strict traffic regulations further enhance safety, reflecting Japan’s meticulous two-wheeler culture.
[uncut] TOKYO 4K Motorcycle Ride, 1 Hour Night Drive POV Japan GoPro by Tokyo Virtual Ride
10. Paris, France
Motorcyclists enjoy legal lane filtering and plentiful parking in Paris, though most spaces require payment and strict compliance. Moreover, its rich riding culture, supportive infrastructure, and vibrant urban scene make Paris a premier destination for bikers.
11. Munich, Germany
Rolling into Munich, riders immediately notice the pristine roads and thoughtful parking setup that make daily commuting a breeze. After strapping on the mandatory helmet, the local motorcycle culture welcomes newcomers, whether they're exploring the Bavarian Alps' routes or joining thousands at BMW Motorrad Days.
ALPS on a motorbike with 3D Maps by Creative Cinema Group
12. Toronto, Canada
Toronto's motorcycle infrastructure presents a mixed urban framework, with limited downtown motorcycle-specific zones offset by widespread designated parking areas. The city's year-round riding allowance and strategic location near Niagara Escarpment routes demonstrate substantial accommodation for motorcyclists.
Ride To Ridge Road/Thirty Road, Hamilton Ontario | Niagara Escarpment by AmerSheikh
13. Santiago, Chile
From Santiago's growing motorcycle community at its heart, riders flow outward through the Mediterranean-blessed cityscape into an expanding realm of possibilities. Its urban grid gives way to winding Andean roads, leading past ski resorts and mountain passes.
14. Athens, Greece
When Athens' narrow streets groan under the weight of gridlocked traffic, locals turn to an elegant solution that's become woven into the city's fabric: motorcycles. These nimble two-wheelers don't just slice through congestion—they've sparked a vibrant riding culture, with enthusiasts gathering to explore historic neighborhoods.
Spyrosdrakopoulos on Wikimedia
15. Lisbon, Portugal
Cobbled streets twist toward dazzling Atlantic views, giving every ride through Lisbon a storybook feel. Compact neighborhoods invite effortless exploration on two wheels, and dedicated parking keeps city travel stress-free. Plus, an energetic community of riders hosting group adventures makes Lisbon a paradise for motorcycle lovers.
I Asked Portuguese Riders to Show me Around Lisbon... by Pedro Mota
16. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
While Dubai maintains rigorous helmet and safety gear requirements for all motorcyclists, these protective measures enable riders to fully embrace the city's exceptional riding environment. The well-maintained, broad roadways and year-round favorable weather further set the stage for journeys through coastal highways.
What is it like to ride a motorbike in Dubai? by Sergey Vikultsev
17. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The motorcycle clubs of Buenos Aires form the beating heart of Argentina's two-wheeler community, organizing regular group rides through the city's diverse neighborhoods. This vibrant culture thrives thanks to rider-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated lanes on 9 de Julio Avenue and specialized parking zones.
18. Taipei, Taiwan
Bustling streets hum with two-wheelers in Taipei, a city featuring one of the highest motorcycle ownership rates worldwide. Here, riders navigate shared lanes with scooters and enjoy abundant parking across urban hubs. Night markets also glow as popular stops for evening rides.
19. Istanbul, Turkey
Perched between Europe and Asia, Istanbul blends continents and cultures into one exhilarating ride. A passionate community of riders gathers to explore centuries-old districts and coastal highways, celebrating the city’s adventurous, cross-continental spirit.
Riding Through Istanbul Bosphorus Views & 15 July Bridge Crossing by Moto Guzu
20. Auckland, New Zealand
Through Auckland's gentle seasons, motorcycle routes unfold in an endless rhythm. Winter coastal rides catch moody ocean views, spring winds through awakening wine country, while summer and autumn paint the North Island's varied terrain in shifting colors.
